Hi Clegg
Thanks for the kind words ::)
Your A boat 'master' sounds like an older vane design, maybe a Highlander ?? If you get the position of the rudder right you will be surprised at how quick these big heavy yachts can turn, there is not a lot of difference in feel between a IOM and an A when slinging it round a mark, it just takes up a lot more room and a lot more stopping if it hits something !
I bought the tapered carbon mast at PJ Sails web site
http://www.pjsails.co.uk/ the site is still under construction but the catalogue in pdf form is downloadable. That particular mast cost £61 and I would imagine the shipping cost will be high. (It is one piece 2.35 mtr long !) I didn't have to worry about that as the mast was picked up at Peters house by a fellow member of my club. If you check around the net I am sure you may find another stockist further up north in driveable distance. Housemartin Sails & Dave Creed spring to mind.
I am using a single Whirlwind 'red top' winch - purely out of economy (after lashing out on that mast !) I am aware that this is underpowered for such a big area of sail and consequently don't sail her in anything too drafty. Other club members have a pair of the expensive winches, one for each sail, either working in tandem ie 'Y' lead, or each with their own joystick with the Robbe Navy Tx or modified Futaba. The other club boats are mostly latest designs and race in national/international events where I am sailing for the pleasure that this class gives you - it is the kind of boat that I can sail all by myself and still come away with a smile on my face :). When I have saved enough pocket money up I might get a pair of Hitec drum winches (modified) and fit them with a 'Y' lead - there is plenty of room to 'dive' in and mess about in that size hull !
I'm staring to witter, I think - so time to stop
regards
Mike